Which of the following is used in acute exacerbation of multiple sclerosis?
**Core Concept**
In multiple sclerosis (MS), acute exacerbation or relapse is a sudden worsening of symptoms, often due to inflammation of the central nervous system. The management of acute exacerbation involves the use of disease-modifying therapies to reduce inflammation and slow disease progression.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid that is commonly used in the management of acute exacerbation of multiple sclerosis. It works by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system, thereby decreasing the severity of symptoms. Methylprednisolone is particularly effective in reducing the duration and severity of relapses, and is often administered intravenously for a short period (typically 3-5 days).
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** **Interferon beta** is a disease-modifying therapy used in the management of multiple sclerosis, but it is not used in acute exacerbation. Interferon beta works by reducing inflammation and slowing disease progression, but it is not effective in treating acute relapses.
**Option B:** **Glatiramer acetate** is another disease-modifying therapy used in multiple sclerosis, but it is not used in acute exacerbation. Like interferon beta, glatiramer acetate works by reducing inflammation and slowing disease progression, but it is not effective in treating acute relapses.
**Option C:** **Natalizumab** is a disease-modifying therapy used in multiple sclerosis, but it is not used in acute exacerbation. Natalizumab works by reducing inflammation and slowing disease progression, but it is not effective in treating acute relapses and carries a risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Corticosteroids like methylprednisolone are effective in reducing the severity and duration of relapses in multiple sclerosis, but they should be used under medical supervision due to potential side effects.
**Correct Answer:** C. Methylprednisolone is used in acute exacerbation of multiple sclerosis.